Florida Atlantic's head coach Joan Joyce passes away at 81

Florida Atlantic University Athletics' softball coach, Hall of Fame member Joan Joyce, passed away on Saturday. After making a significant impact on the game, she breathed her last at the age of 81. She had been coaching at the FAU for 28 years and was inducted into the Hall of Fame 20 times. Notably, she was the only coach in the history of the program that has been in existence for the last 28 years. Joyce has been well-known for striking out Baseball Hall of Famer Ted Williams.

The news of her demise was announced by FAU President John Kelly on March 27. Calling it a "terribly sad loss for the FAU family," Kelly said that Joan's legacy would continue to inspire generations of young women to play softball and golf. Kelly added that Joan brought out the best of the student-athletes, both in personal and professional behaviour. FAU Vice President and Director of Athletics Brian White called her a legend whose legacy is unmatched. White said she was one of the pillars of the FAU.

Joan had been playing since she was eight years old and had an illustrious coaching career. She led the FAU to win 11 conference championships and the same number of NCAA postseason tournaments. Besides, she was also included in the Guinness Book of World Records.


Joan had also served as the head coach of FAU's women's golf team from 1996 to 2014, during which she was recognised as conference Coach of the Year eight times. During her 18-year tenure as the head coach, She amassed a record of 1002-674-1. She also bagged All-America recognitions in multiple sports.

Joan Joyce was born on August 18, 1940. She is survived by a family that includes her sister, brother and his wife, two nieces and their spouses, two grand-nieces and two grand-nephews.